Meijer names Symancyk as president

January 15th, 2013

J.K. Symancyk

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer has appointed chief operating officer J.K. Symancyk as president of the company, taking over from Mark Murray, who has been named to the newly formed position of co-chief executive officer.

The supercenter retailer said Tuesday that Symancyk will begin in the president's role on Feb. 3.

In his new role as co-CEO, Murray will serve with current CEO Hank Meijer and work as a partner in the development of future business strategy with Symancyk and co-chairmen Hank and Doug Meijer. Murray will also serve as vice chairman.

"I am pleased to introduce J.K. as our next company president," Hank Meijer said in a statement. "J.K. has been a key member of our leadership team, including most recently as our chief operating officer, and he has played an important role in the growth and success of Meijer since joining us in 2006."

As COO, Symancyk supervised retail operations, supply chain, manufacturing, merchandising and marketing. As president, he will oversee the daily business of the company and will report to Hank Meijer and Murray.

Symancyk joined Meijer in 2006 as vice president of perishables. He became executive vice president of merchandising and marketing in 2007 and then COO in 2012.

"Having worked with J.K. in his different roles here at Meijer, we are very confident he is the right leader to help continue our path of growth and expansion," Hank Meijer said. "We are also delighted that Mark Murray will remain a valuable partner in the continued growth of Meijer. Mark and his team have done a tremendous job and have positioned Meijer well for the future."